There’s something truly electric about Blues on Broadbeach – that unbeatable combo of soul-soaked soundscapes, coastal breezes, and a crowd buzzing with energy. And just when we thought the 2025 festival couldn’t get any better, in rolls a second lineup announcement brimming with legendary names, international flavour, and beloved homegrown talent.
Topping the new additions are none other than Vika & Linda, the iconic sister duo whose voices have been woven into the fabric of Australian music for more than three decades. With their powerhouse harmonies and soul-stirring presence, these two have gone from church choirs to chart-topping records, sharing the stage (and studio) with legends like Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and John Farnham. And now, they’re bringing that magic to Blues on Broadbeach in 2025.
“We can’t wait to return to Blues on Broadbeach in its twenty-fourth year,” Vika and Linda said. “We’re chuffed to be included in its incredible line-up of artists in 2025.”
Having released eight studio albums, two live albums and a top-of-the-charts anthology, it’s no wonder the sisters have picked up six ARIA nominations along the way. They’ve even performed for the likes of the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and the King of Tonga. Safe to say – they’re a big deal.
International Flair with Memphis Royalty
Blues on Broadbeach has always had a knack for bringing global energy to its Gold Coast stage, and 2025 is no different. Making his long-awaited festival debut is Eric Gales, an American blues-rock virtuoso who’s been hailed as a second coming of Jimi Hendrix – and for good reason.
Presented in partnership with Memphis Tourism, Gales is bringing his high-octane performance style and blistering guitar solos straight from the home of blues, soul and rock’n’roll. With a career spanning over 30 years and 18 albums, he’s garnered admiration from the likes of Carlos Santana, Joe Bonamassa, and Dave Navarro.
Gales doesn’t just play the blues – he breathes life into it, with an intensity and flair that keeps audiences spellbound. If ever there was an artist to catch live, it’s him.
From across the ditch, Salmonella Dub Soundsystem is bringing a fresh wave of rhythm and groove to the festival. Born from late-night afterparties more than two decades ago, this Kiwi collective has morphed into a dancefloor-dominating act that fuses reggae, dub and blues into one pulsating, genre-blurring experience.
Well known on both the New Zealand and Australian festival circuits, their inclusion adds another layer to the festival’s rich sonic tapestry.
No stranger to Blues on Broadbeach, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers return in 2025, bringing with them deep traditional blues flavoured with Fiona’s unmistakable touch. Whether fingerpicking on an acoustic or wailing on a cigar box guitar, Fiona channels a vast range of regional styles with authenticity and flair.
With a career that includes eight USA Blues Music Award nominations, tours across 20 countries, and a recent induction into the Blues Victoria Hall of Fame, she’s carved out a place as one of Australia’s most respected blues artists.
“My band and I are looking forward to playing at Blues on Broadbeach again,” Fiona said. “It’s a wonderfully diverse, accessible, and welcoming festival – and a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.”
“Blues on Broadbeach is a bit like a family gathering for the tight-knit Blues community,” she added. “You generally know some of the other players and get to meet others, catch up and find out what’s happening in the Blues scene in other parts of the country… lots of fun.”
A Massive Free Program and a Sunday to Remember
Of course, this second announcement only adds more colour to an already stacked program. Across four days, music lovers can soak up a massive free schedule of performances scattered through streets, bars and parks in the heart of Broadbeach.
Among the newly revealed highlights is a sunset set by Radical Son, whose soul-drenched vocals promise to cast a golden spell over the crowd. There’s also the one-man slide guitar marvel Bob Log III, whose explosive live act is a spectacle in itself. And for fans who love a jam session with serious groove, 8 Ball Aitken’s All Star Jam is sure to deliver.
And let’s not forget the earlier announcement – a special one-off performance from Jimmy Barnes, taking place on Sunday 18 May at the Kurrawa Park Ticketed Event. The Aussie rock legend will revisit his iconic Soul Deep album, breathing life into classic R&B hits in what’s bound to be one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.
Something Special in the Air for Blues on Broadbeach 2025
Festival Director Mark Duckworth summed it up perfectly: “The list of acts for this year is so exciting, with international rhythm and blues musicians alongside the best in Australia.”
“We can’t wait for May to see all these incredible artists light up the streets, bars, and parks, bringing their unique sounds to the heart of Broadbeach.”
With this second lineup drop, Blues on Broadbeach 2025 is shaping up to be a genre-bending, soul-shaking celebration of music in all its forms. And best of all – it’s free.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the group chat, lock in the dates, and get ready to soak in four unforgettable days of world-class blues under the Gold Coast sun this May.
THE CRUEL SEA
ELI PAPERBOY REED
DIESEL
VIKA & LINDA – ERIC GALES
SALMONELLA DUB SOUNDSYSTEM
FIONA BOYES & THE FORTUNE TELLERS – BONDI CIGARS
THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS – BOB LOG III
RADICAL SON – 8 BALL AITKEN’S ALL STAR JAM
SUNPIE BARNES & DOM TURNER – THE MELTDOWN
STEFAN HAUK – QUEENIE – FRANK SULTANA BLUES BAND
MURRAY COOK’S SOUL MOVERS
LECIA LOUISE – BULLHORN – ROD PAINE & THE FULLTIME LOVERS
PETE CORNELIUS – KATHLEEN HALLORAN – SAMMY OWEN BLUES BAND
DAMON SMITH – BERETTA AND SULLIVAN – TAYA CHANI
CLAUDE HAY AND THE KUNG FU MUSTARD – RHIANNON SIMPSON
AND MORE…
